What happens when two churches become one? The story of Cornerstone Church of West Los Angeles is far from common. It is a tale of two distinct congregations merging into a single, stronger community.
In 2005, Pastors Scott and Brian planted Shoreline Church. West LA lacked enough churches for its population. Prayer meetings began in an apartment on Berkeley Street. They rented a hotel ballroom in Santa Monica. Shoreline Church was born near the beach. Over time, the church moved east.
Shoreline was new and exciting. It attracted a younger crowd. Pastors were in their mid-twenties. They preached from the Bible and met in small groups. They baptized new believers at the Santa Monica pier. They welcomed Christians from around the world.
First Baptist Church of West Los Angeles began in 1901. It ministered to Civil War veterans. The church was in Sawtelle. This area was later annexed by Los Angeles. First Baptist predated freeways and apartments. It was a rural community. The church ate together and baptized new believers. It welcomed people moving west.
In the 1920s, First Baptist bought land. It was located at Idaho St. and Barrington Ave. A church building was constructed. Later, a high school joined the campus. The church served the homeless and held Sunday services.
In 2008, pastors from both churches met for coffee. They shared their stories and encouraged each other. Kevin from First Baptist suggested a merger.
The churches had much in common. They shared the same gospel and love for West Los Angeles. Shoreline had a younger demographic. First Baptist had a stable presence and a building.
Weekly meetings followed. They discussed theology and ministry. The pastors found common ground. They realized they shared similar values.
The congregations were introduced. Shoreline celebrated its fifth anniversary at Federal Park. First Baptist was celebrating its 104th anniversary that month. Pastors preached at each other’s churches. God was uniting them.
On Easter Sunday 2011, Cornerstone Church of West LA held its first service. The name reflected the union of the two churches. It honored Jesus, the cornerstone of the church. The building had a literal cornerstone. A 90-year-old man and a young mother sat in the front pew. They symbolized the joining of two church families.
Cornerstone Church of West Los Angeles is a testament to faith. It exemplifies community. It continues to welcome all. It invites everyone to share in its ongoing story.